Sym Citycom 300i Review + Maintenance

[wr125]

I'm thinking of an HD200 fr my wife who finds the Citycomm a bit too heavy.

Can you compare the 2 for me?

Thanks

Mar 24, 2011 20:18:13 GMT -5 dimjim said:

Took the new girl out today to the bagel shop and back to get her acquainted with the city streets. Very fun to ride, even on a somewhat chilly day. ;D Got her warmed up and then did an oil change (both engine & gear) as my odo is a bit over 1100 kms after the big trip back (did one at ~175km (both), ~600km (engine only), and now ~1100km (both).


I just broke down and ordered the Carter Made RR for $99 from scootershop.com with free shipping. Hopefully it comes next week so I can get my top case transferred over from the HD200.

I liked the look of the givi as well, but my box is a bestem 929 and I was worried about it not fitting properly with my non-givi plate (or having to buy a givi plate and/or drilling holes).

I'll report back on the install process (big thx kiwiscoot for the install doc!) and how it works with the bestem box.

I'm really eager to wire up and try out the box on the citycom. About a month ago I installed waterproof LED light strips in back of my lens on the Bestem Box, one 2 ft strip at the bottom of the lens will be wired as a running light, then a 1 ft. strip towards the top of the lens will be a supplement to the strip of 4 incandescent brake lights that came stock on the bestem box. You can never be too visible!

Does anybody have a wiring diagram for the Citycom or is it in one of the pdf manuals? I just need to know which color of wires to tap into at the rear harness for running and break lights. Did it on my HD200 for just break light and it wasn't too difficult, just a tight space to work in. Was thinking about a marine grade 3 or 4 pin disconnect outside the bike for ease of removing the box. I used a 2 pin on my HD200.

[wr125]

350 miles on mine and my 1st problem.

I stopped at the scooter shop for them to check the clacking noise in my variator which I did not know if it was normal or not, this being my 1st scooter.

The mechanic is taking it for a test drive and boom the rear brake goes flacid! Brake fluid all over the rear tire. It seems the rear brake line was running against the rear tire and wore thru while he was riding in the parking lot....whoda thunk it?

Now we have to find SYM parts in the U.S.

Anyway, I like the bike! It only tops out about 75 mph indicated which may be related to the tall Carter Bros windshield and box. OTOH at 75 indicated I'm passing most cars so the speedo must be accurate. I could use another 5mph in reserve but that is my only complaint.

The bike is super comforable and handles very good. Brakes could be better especially the front which is less powerful than the rear.

I could put big miles on this.

My 100 mile weekend ride is no problem and I leave my Husky SM610 in the garage now.

[Kiwiscoot]

Seems like they must have missed the brake line in their Predelivery Inspection (PDI).

The factory brake pads are not very good as far as stopping goes. Get them to change them to another brand and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the improvement. The Citycom use the same brake pads as the PGO T-Rex 150 scoots. Look on
scootdawg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=200cc&action=display&thread=16772&page=8
this has a list of all the brands & part numbers (Thanks to Angel). Just one thing to check, my Citycom has the same brake (Front brake) on the back and front, which makes it easier to find the brake pads.
You scoot should improve as you put the miles on. My scoot feels much more responsive at 20 000+miles.

[farkdanarc]

Kiwi,

thanks for all the awesome information!!!! You have sold me on the 300i. i have one put aside for me at a dealer for when i sell my Quad to cover the cost of the scooter.

Only bad part, i have a 730km ride home from where i buy it, so i dont know how that nice breakin is going to happen.... O.o

anyways, i read a huge amount of your posts and i now cant wait to join the 300i army!!

FDN

-Canada-

[wr125]

Just stop a lot and get off the highway to vary the speed. Don't ride WFO for more than a minute or two and you should be fine.

Oh, check the rear brake line for clearance!

[Kiwiscoot]

farkdanarc - Hope you have as much enjoyment out of yours as I've had. IMHO they are one of the "best bang for your buck" scoots out there.
This was how I did the breaking in - the Motoman way. These scoot have ceramic (Nicosil) lined cylinders which take some bedding in.
scootdawg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=talk&action=display&thread=25346&page=2
about halfway down the page you'll see my post. I would do the same if I was in your shoes. IMHO.Change the engine oil immediately using mineral oil. Change the gearbox/final drive oil immediately to 80W90 (I use a hand pump oil can for this as spout makes it easy to inject the oil - big syringe would do it to - do not be alarmed at the amount of metal debrise that comes out). Do hard break in for about 50kms, change engine + gearbox oil. Then start your ride home varying the speed by accelerating WOT then close the throttle to get the rings cleaned. I would then change the engine oil twice during the journey. Use mineral oil only for the first 2000kms.
I run synthetic Shell Ultra 5W40 oil in my scoot at the moment. Did an oil change two nights ago and was amazed that the oil was just a maple syrup colour after 2200kms and during that time I did a 1100kms in two days and went twice over a 800m/2600ft mountain pass. This shows the rings to seal very well. The scoot seemed to need about 20 000kms to really get run in.
Well I'm off to another 800km run over two days tonight. Wish you well with your trip.

[farkdanarc]

Good news, i have an official offer in on the Quad. just arranging shipping and payments. YAY!!! so now i can officially get that 300i.

I will do as you suggest. I will actually be going into the city in a month for 4 days, so i will now be able to do the hard break in without any oil changes on the way home. SHould be able to get about 400km on the machine in those days.

I will make those changes as well that you suggested regarding the oils, etc. should be goo to go then!

until then, i just sit here in my town dreaming of May.10.2011.

[wr125]

Kiwi,

There was zero metal in my rear end oil change @ 300miles.

Looked fine actually.

[farkdanarc]

how was your 800km ride Kiwi? hope all went well!!!

[Kiwiscoot]

Apr 14, 2011 23:47:59 GMT -5 farkdanarc said:

how was your 800km ride Kiwi? hope all went well!!!

It went well. The scoot just ran flawlessly the entire trip, which was very wet and foggy most of the way. When you are in mountain passes at 11 pm on a dark wet night you need to be able to depend on your steed and the Citycom just keeps on purring along. Never missed a beat. And I just hid from it all behind my big Givi winter screen. It would've been very miserable if I did it with the factory screen fitted. Keep dreaming - 10 May will come along pretty quick and your adventure will begin.
wr125 - It sounds like SYM now cleans the transmission case out properly at the factory, which is a good thing. Sounds like your enjoying longer rides too. Fortunate for you your getting into good riding weather now. Our winter is setting in now a wet 4.5C/40F ride this morning.
Kiwiscoot

[wr125]

The problem is I cannot seem to find a rear brake line in the U.S.

The weather is great but my favorite bike is down!

Anyone overseas want to source one for me?

I could wire the funds or paypal whatever.

Thanks!

[bruelito]

Hi guys,

After many times waiting, I bought my Citycom 300i, the nickname is Blackhawk.

I'm very happy and santisfied. The scooter is very fast and confortable. I will wait finish the factory guarantee to start the mods in my scooter. I would like to change the headlamps, the exhaust sistem and input some features.

Here in Brazil the Citycom start to be famous, and the owners was very happy with them.

Best regards.

[farkdanarc]

Apr 21, 2011 8:01:03 GMT -5 bruelito said:

Hi guys,

After many times waiting, I bought my Citycom 300i, the nickname is Blackhawk.

I'm very happy and santisfied. The scooter is very fast and confortable. I will wait finish the factory guarantee to start the mods in my scooter. I would like to change the headlamps, the exhaust sistem and input some features.

Here in Brazil the Citycom start to be famous, and the owners was very happy with them.

Best regards.

grats the new scoot!!! i put a down payment on mine, will be pickign it up in a couple weeks when i head into the big city!!! i like the nickname!!! im still working on mine. i am buying the blue '09. brand new, old stock.

[farkdanarc]

im just getting ready for next month and have been discussing with my wife about the 730km ride home.

i will have my first 300km on it before the big trip home and a new batch of oil in the system/gearbox. so it should be ready for the ride.

im a 6' tall, 230lb guy, and my wife thinks that the ride would be horrible and that i couldnt take it on a scooter.

my average travel speed would hover around the 110-120 kph mark if possible.

i have a couple questions tho,

1) can the scooter take that speed for long periods of time?
2) is the stock seat that comfortable?
3) is the throttle easy enough to hold with out cramping in the wrist (without a rocker) or is the spring pretyt forceful?
4) anything you can think of for a trip that long? suggestions?


thanks everyone! cant wait to jump on my citycom 300i (2009) - new old stock!

[kutch]

Hey all,

After a long absence from this board, but not from scooting, and thanks to kiwi-man, pulled the trigger today on a SYM Citycom 300i found on the somewhat local craigslist in Portland (just moved to Tacoma, Washington).

Per some of my prior posts my scooter history has been:
1 - Kymco People S 200 - EVIL kymco, enough said....
2 - Chinese 250cc (see other posts on problems)
2a - Chinese scoot was totaled from a T-boner so actually made money!
3 - 2006 Aprilia Scarabeo 500cc
4 - 2009 SYM Citycom 300i

Own #3 and #4, the other two met rather tragic ends, but in altogether different ways. Anyways...

Just got the scoot back here (guy I bought it from drove me and both the scoots back up here, as rode the Scarabeo down. Took it out for a quick test spin and must say am quite impressed. Not used to such responsiveness. Starts right up and had only 7,393 miles when unloaded it off the trailer. Will take a picture soon as the weather gets sunny (next weekend supposedly), but it is in immaculate condition and even has a couple additional tweaks, led lights and such. He did a very nice job to it and was glad to give him exactly what he wanted.

Will be going through all of the tips and tricks mentioned here, evaluating what I want to do, and of course, change all the fluids, just to be super sure.

Am assuming the 2008 shop manual kiwi shared is valid for the 2009 model? Really like the headlight idea (either brighter bulb or a different one altogether). Between the two scoots it is time to explore the Pacific Northwest and beyond!!!

Now I know why it's Smile Your Miles!

[farkdanarc]

Grats Kutch!!!

the Kymco product that bad huh? i was looking at talking my buddies into a scooter and they just want a cheap machine for in town. were looking at those cause they were cheaper price and only need to boot around a suburb like area.

they pretty bad machines?

[kutch]

Thanks farc!! ;D

Not to go into too much detail, but had the Kymco People S 200 and after first couple thousand miles started losing a little oil. Couldn't figure out where leak was coming from, and the dealer supposedly fixed it. So, around 10K miles, the engine finally gave up the ghost as all the oil suddenly vanished, still no idea where it all went.

Kymco would not honor their warranty only because could not produce a receipt for the oil (who keeps those?), even though I supplied the oil remaining in the jug I purchased (synthetic even).. Still no go. motto: keep ALL receipts.

Apparently all of their other scooters are excellent, but even people knowledgeable in scooter mechanics mentioned that that model (People S 200) has a bad rap as engine is undersized for what they market it as.

I cannot recommend them because of their lack of support for their own product, especially well within warranty.

[farkdanarc]

Apr 25, 2011 20:04:58 GMT -5 kutch said:

Thanks farc!! ;D

Not to go into too much detail, but had the Kymco People S 200 and after first couple thousand miles started losing a little oil. Couldn't figure out where leak was coming from, and the dealer supposedly fixed it. So, around 10K miles, the engine finally gave up the ghost as all the oil suddenly vanished, still no idea where it all went.

Kymco would not honor their warranty only because could not produce a receipt for the oil (who keeps those?), even though I supplied the oil remaining in the jug I purchased (synthetic even).. Still no go. motto: keep ALL receipts.

Apparently all of their other scooters are excellent, but even people knowledgeable in scooter mechanics mentioned that that model (People S 200) has a bad rap as engine is undersized for what they market it as.

I cannot recommend them because of their lack of support for their own product, especially well within warranty.

cool. fair enough. thanks!!! im new to the whole scooter thing and in Canada they arent considered....."cool" so there are not hordes of them, at least where i am located.

all these companies are unheard of to me other then the obvious, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc. Im getting the SYM Citycom 300i as well and was even hesitant until i read this post and all the support from fellow 300i owners.

anyways, post some pics my friend!!! i love seeing what people have done to thier units, or just seeing an owner with thier new machine.

will be taking pics of my first start up, ride, etc.

[Kiwiscoot]

Apr 20, 2011 21:09:26 GMT -5 wr125 said:

The problem is I cannot seem to find a rear brake line in the U.S.

The weather is great but my favorite bike is down!

Anyone overseas want to source one for me?

I could wire the funds or paypal whatever.

Thanks!

Contact Mike [e-mail] as they are the new US distributers. He'll help you.
Or take it to an automotive brake repair shop, they should be able to crimp a new hose on the old fittings.
Good luck.

[Kiwiscoot]

bruelito - I guess yours is black - mine's called BB (Black Bullet) Congrats on a fabulous scoot.
kutch - congrats on your scoot and the manual is still current as the changes were just cosmetic. I would one day like to hear about your experience with the Scarabeo 500
farkdanarc - to answer your questions.
1.) Yes it can (speedo speed), I did a 1000kms in 19 hours and 900miles/1460kms in 20 hours at that speed - no problem.
2.) I did 700km per day trips in comfort before I did the mod to mine's seat and I'm 6'4.5". I do stop briefly every 100kms or so to massage the bottom, but if in a hurry I've done the 250 - 270kms a tank allow in comfort with no stops. When I have to slow down I hook my heels into the front corners of the floorboard to ride "Harley" style to stretch my legs or sometimes put my legs out straight past the front of the floor board.
3.) As above I've done 700km trips fine with the throttle. I now use a Throttle Rocker for all my longer trips, just more comfortable and very cheap - well worth it. When I have to slow down (like in small town) I take my throttle hand off and flex it a bit to stop cramp. I do the same with the other hand too.
4.) small tool set, tire repair kit, etc. Look halfway down this page to see what I take
scootdawg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=200cc&action=display&thread=16772&page=3

And my fuel is Iced Coffee. IMHO always overdress (boiling hot when you start the journey) and take some layers off as you journey. On 2 trips I did not dress warm enough and never really recovered heat the whole trip. May thing is to Smile Your Miles.

Kiwiscoot - bought a house 400kms away and the Citycom took me there this passed weekend thru torrential rain. It's still down there, but it will bring me back again this coming weekend. We'll Smile our Miles.


3.)

[farkdanarc]

Nov 9, 2010 20:36:31 GMT -5 Kiwiscoot said:

This is how I made a mount for my GPS.I mounted half of a GPS mount to the bag hook of my scoot.

these are the parts:
1.) half of the GPS mount
2.) two home made rubber washers for friction between the GPS mount and the U-bracket.
3.) two washers to go under U-bracket
4.) home made U-bracket
5.) bolt to screw GPS mount to U-bracket


this is how the U-bracket mount with the two washers underneath. I used the factory bolt to do it.

another view

everything mounted with the mount in the everyday ride "out of the way" position

another view

GPS mounted with a hair band (what ladies use to make a pony tail in their hair) for safety.

another angle

another angle. The bracket is spray painted black and looks professional IMHO. This way you can still use the bag hook and it is not in the way getting on or off. The GPS runs off the Aux power outlet. I put the GPS in a plastic Ziplock bag if it rains to keep it dry.
happy Citycoming....until next time
Kiwiscoot

Kiwi or anyone else, did anyone try the suction cup verson on the windscreen???i have a GPS mount that is suction cup based, and am curious if i have to make a mount or if someone uses the suction cup. just a preference piece.

also, for the power plug in, can the cord squeeze out with the compartment closed, or do i have to have everything charged? it looks like it would be great for while your riding, and it can powe rup my ipod, gps, phone, etc as i go.

[kutch]

I have tried the suction cup version with very little success, using the standard suction cup mount that came with my GPS. Tried it on my Aprilia and not the SYM so might work a little different.

For me, found the flattest spot on the windscreen and stuck it on. While sitting with engine off it worked wonders. Soon as started engine and did any sort of riding it would pop off within a mile or two. Even tried making a velcro mounted GPS holder with limited success (could have redesigned it but other things came up). The mount that came with mine (a newer TomTom) is designed for cars with almost no vibrational tendencies. Main problem for the mount sticking on was curvature of the windshield, as no place is truly flatter (like a car's) that I have seen.

Hate to spend the inflated prices, but person I bought my SYM from used the RAM mount and was extremely pleased so am heavily considering that.

[hellfire666]

hey kutch,

i was also looking for a RAM mount to fit a GPS onto the bike, may i know which RAM mount did the guy you bought your bike from use?

because the RAM website does not have any option for SYM. and i am unable to find any other mounts.

i cant get the handle bar mount, since there is no handle bar to mount it to. i also cant get the brake reserviour mount since the reserviour on the citycom is covered.

so which RAM mount can i get?

[Kiwiscoot]

I tried the suction cup holder - also without success. Nothing as frustration as going around a bend and then trying to juggle a scoot and a dangling GPS.
I painted the little U-bracket black and now a few people asked me if it's a standard bracket. IMHO the RAM mounts are good, but for the amount of time I use the GPS just does not justify the money. This mount is cheap and works a charm. As it's mounted to the "body" of the scoot it does not subject the GPS to the vibrasions of the handlebars and it is better protected from the elements. The power cord just squeeze out of the closed compartment. The lid is quite flexable.

[farkdanarc]

Apr 28, 2011 15:22:01 GMT -5 Kiwiscoot said:

I tried the suction cup holder - also without success. Nothing as frustration as going around a bend and then trying to juggle a scoot and a dangling GPS.
I painted the little U-bracket black and now a few people asked me if it's a standard bracket. IMHO the RAM mounts are good, but for the amount of time I use the GPS just does not justify the money. This mount is cheap and works a charm. As it's mounted to the "body" of the scoot it does not subject the GPS to the vibrasions of the handlebars and it is better protected from the elements. The power cord just squeeze out of the closed compartment. The lid is quite flexable.

great. thanks for the info. i was gonna try the suction cup, but now i will just focus on the other style and mount. greatly appreciate your input.

also, with the fender removal, i noticed you stated you made a bracket, i was curious if how difficult it was to attach the light. i can imagine it would be easy to make a plate bracket with some items from the local hardware store, was there muc customizing to get the light to attach properly?

[Kiwiscoot]

The scoots 400kms away, but I'm going down and bringing it back again. I'll try and take a picture for you. The light just screws thru the top of the number plate with a self tapping screw as it's very light.

[hellfire666]

i wont mind using kiwiscoot idea, but as i will be using the GPS on a daily basis, and as i also am new to melbourne.

i think a mount that puts the gps somewhere near eye level will be much more convinent for me.

after much searching through RAM mount webpage, i managed to find this

www.ram-mount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045066045050053050085/Default.aspx

all i need to do is to unscrew the left or right wing mirror, place the mounting plate on, and reattach back the wing mirror and i should have a excelent place to mount the GPS.

[farkdanarc]

Apr 28, 2011 23:39:12 GMT -5 Kiwiscoot said:

The scoots 400kms away, but I'm going down and bringing it back again. I'll try and take a picture for you. The light just screws thru the top of the number plate with a self tapping screw as it's very light.

self tapping screws for the win. awesome. so simple, but i totally wouldnt have thought of that. LOL.

if its not a big pain, would love to see a pic of the bracket you made, so i know what works and can just copy that. no rush tho. 10 more days till i pick it up...muah ha ha ha ha!!

[farkdanarc]

Apr 29, 2011 6:59:54 GMT -5 hellfire666 said:

i wont mind using kiwiscoot idea, but as i will be using the GPS on a daily basis, and as i also am new to melbourne.

i think a mount that puts the gps somewhere near eye level will be much more convinent for me.

after much searching through RAM mount webpage, i managed to find this

www.ram-mount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045066045050053050085/Default.aspx

all i need to do is to unscrew the left or right wing mirror, place the mounting plate on, and reattach back the wing mirror and i should have a excelent place to mount the GPS.

would love to see a pic when you get it installed. this looks like it would work great. I will be limited a bit as nothing will make it to where i live now, and i will pretty much be trying to work around the city i am in when i pick up the scoot.

maybe i will just find a quick fix until i can get something serious like Kiwi or yourself have.

thanks again guys

[demigh]

Hello, I am new to this forum but not to scootering, so please be kind?! Lol, I just yesterday traded my beloved SYM HD 200 for a Citycom 300i and I couldn't be happier! I have enjoyed reading through the threads here and learning of what others have experienced and think of this fine scooter from Taiwan. Mine is a 2010 model in dark blue and I bought it from a local dealer here in the Midwest. It has one inherent problem (a minor issue) ...the digital fuel gauge flashes ALL the time regardless of the amount of fuel in the tank. My understanding is it should flash as a warning when the fuel level gets low ...is this correct? The dealer's tech/mechanic thinks the gauge is faulty and is trying to warranty the instrument cluster for me. They had to replace a faulty fuel pump on this unit under warranty in order to make it salable, but I have not been able to read anything about how this digital gauge is supposed to operate normally. If it is faulty, is there any way to perhaps reset it or does it require replacement? It seems to read the correct fuel level even though it flashes constantly! Any help is appreciated, thanks!